Plenty of fun in snow at Mt Taranaki

Okato skier Jim Moore takes three-year-old Enzo on the rope tow.

Plenty of fun has been had on Mt Taranaki's Manganui Ski Area over the last two weeks after July's storm provided a good base of snow for ski bunnies to enjoy.

Okato skier Ida Staunstrup Moore made the most of fresh snow in the school holidays, hiking up to the skifield with husband Jim Moore and three children Amélie, 7, Albie, 5, and Enzo, 3.

Ida says the family had an "epic adventure" enjoying the beautiful weather.

"The kids loved the fresh snow. It took us two hours to hike to the field, as the kids were busy throwing snowballs, eating icicles, falling into holes in the snow on purpose and generally having the time of their lives."

Jim carried five pairs of skis and boots, while Ida carried the food and Enzo.

"We had a few of hours skiing. The kids learnt to use the rope tow and to do jumps. The ice at the top of the T-bar was pretty challenging for their little legs, but they did it once.

"Thank you so much to the Stratford Mountain Club for everything they do to manage the Manganui field. We had such an amazing day playing in the fresh snow on a sunny day and can't wait to do it again."

Stratford Mountain Club spokesman Rob Needs says the skifield has experienced some good snow days, especially after the recent storm which had provided a good snow base.

Rob says the nature of the mountain, plus the size of the skifield means the field only opens whenever there is going to be enough demand and the conditions allow.

"Every time we get some skiing its a great season on Mt Taranaki. We will run a day at a loss to make sure we are open for season pass holders."

Rob says the skifield is in top working order, with a $100,000 maintenance programme over summer bringing the field's two core assets - the T-bar and flying fox - up to speed, allowing the public to use the mountain.

Funding for the maintenance came from the New Zealand Community Trust and Taranaki Electricity Trust.

Rob says part of the maintenance programme included refurbishing the drive station off the T-bar and its motor and gear box, making it the first time in 35 years the drive station was fully maintained and in good working order.

He's extremely excited that the club has committed to buying a new snow groomer from Snow Planet in Auckland. He says the club has worked towards buying one for years - making use of funding avenues and good fiscal management to put away money to buy it.

Rob says the groomer will make it easy to move snow around, do grooming at night and pack snow down. The groomer arrives in August but won't be used until next season as it needs an overhaul first.

Season passes can be purchased by members of the Stratford Mountain Club, but anybody was welcome to head up for the day.

"Although it's a club field, it's a public skifield - anybody can show up and buy a lift pass and go skiing or riding."